Help Factory Reset Galaxy S5 in Another Region

[JR Bulan]

Hello, everybody.

I would like to factory reset my Samsung Galaxy S5 purchased from Saudi Arabia. I am now in the Philippines (Southeast Asia). The unit was locked to the Middle Eastern region, but I was able to "unlock" it by, as per research, making voice calls for at least five minutes. My worry is that if I factory reset the device, the region-unlocked state (with which I can make calls and texts in the Philippines) will revert to its region-locked state (a handset that would be rendered basically usable only in the original region, the Middle East, which I am trying to avoid).

The details are (current):
Model Number: SM-G900F
Android Version: 5.0
Baseband Version: G900FXXU1BOH4
(Please see accompanying snapshots for further information.)

I do not have the Saudi Arabian SIM card with me as I do not work there any longer, thus, I have no more use for such a SIM card. (The Saudi Arabian network of which I was a subscriber automatically set its SIM cards into roaming once it has been moved outside of the country, but keeping the SIM card is of no more consequence.)

I love my device, even though it is relatively old and slowly fading into obsolescence, and I would like to use it for a good two more years. Thank you.

 

[ironass]

Hello, everybody.

I would like to factory reset my Samsung Galaxy S5 purchased from Saudi Arabia. I am now in the Philippines (Southeast Asia). The unit was locked to the Middle Eastern region, but I was able to "unlock" it by, as per research, making voice calls for at least five minutes. My worry is that if I factory reset the device, the region-unlocked state (with which I can make calls and texts in the Philippines) will revert to its region-locked state (a handset that would be rendered basically usable only in the original region, the Middle East, which I am trying to avoid).

The details are (current):
Model Number: SM-G900F
Android Version: 5.0
Baseband Version: G900FXXU1BOH4
(Please see accompanying snapshots for further information.)

View attachment 95069 View attachment 95070

I do not have the Saudi Arabian SIM card with me as I do not work there any longer, thus, I have no more use for such a SIM card. (The Saudi Arabian network of which I was a subscriber automatically set its SIM cards into roaming once it has been moved outside of the country, but keeping the SIM card is of no more consequence.)

I love my device, even though it is relatively old and slowly fading into obsolescence, and I would like to use it for a good two more years. Thank you.

Hello and welcome to Android Forums JR Bulan

Despite you posting your current firmware details as, "SM-G900F", I have my doubts that you actually have this model as the SM-G900F worldwide, 4G, model does not have the location restrictions you mention and are shown in your photo. I have a sneaking suspicion that you actually may have the Samsung Galaxy S5 non 4G, octa core model, SM-G900H, which has been, "adapted", to work on the Philippine network.

Can you post your exact firmware details as per #1.8 of 41 Galaxy S5 models - Dummies Guide

 

[JR Bulan]

Thank you, ironass!

Here are the screenshots of the device in question:

This was purchased at a reputable store in Saudi Arabia, and I see no reason for the personnel to have rooted (or manipulated in any manner) the device prior to sale.

Your advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[ironass]

Thank you, ironass!

Here are the screenshots of the device in question:

View attachment 95093 View attachment 95094

This was purchased at a reputable store in Saudi Arabia, and I see no reason for the personnel to have rooted (or manipulated in any manner) the device prior to sale.

Your advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

It was the warning on the side of the box that made me think that it could be a, "H", model as these are the areas that are covered by it in the Middle East and I have not seen such warnings before on the worldwide, G900F, model, which I own myself. It is not unknown for clone phones and, "adapted", phones to be sold to unsuspecting customers I am afraid. See, Galaxy S5, Fake Clone or Genuine - Dummies Guide.

However, yours does seem to have the latest OH4 firmware for Saudi Arabia on the G900F.

Going back to your original question, a Factory Data Reset will return your model to its out-of-the-box state and remove all user modifications to the OS.